Scenic Highlights in and around Whangarei City

Mount Manaia

Featuring unique castle-like peaks, Mount Manaia towers a majestic 460 metres above the entrance to Whangarei Harbour.

Maori legend has it that these five peaks represent the paramount Chief Manaia, his two children, plus Pito his beautiful wife whom he mischievously stole from the chief Hautatu, with Hautatu in pursuit in the rear brandishing his mere ready to strike his wife down. The figures were all turned to stone as the God of Thunder spoke from the skies.  

Now, well marked trails lead through stunning native forest with extensive views of the harbour, coastline and off-shore islands. The mountain is the eroded skeleton of an andesite cone, 16 - 22 million years old. Rare bush and exposed rocky ridge plants can be found along with birdlife similar to offshore island groups.  

Whangarei Heads

This 35 km drive leads by beautiful harbour bays and beaches, leading to magnificent Ocean Beach. En-route is an 18 hole golf course with wonderful harbour views, and a number of art and craft galleries. The Parua Bay Tavern, once a high class hotel in the 1940’s, sits quaintly on the waters edge. Mount Manaia towers impressively above with its castle like peaks. There is safe swimming at the harbour beaches, good fishing spots and several historic points of interest. Ocean Beach at the end of the peninsula is wild and natural with sparkling white sand, clear water and magnificent surf.

Whangarei Falls

Often referred to as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand and situated 5 kilometres northeast of the city at Tikipunga. The Hatea River tumbles a spectacular 25 metres over a basalt lava flow that occurred two and a half million years ago, forming this beautiful waterfall. A paved pathway leads a short distance from the car park to the first viewing platform. A small bridge crosses the top of the waterfall where a trail leads to the foot of the falls (10 minutes). The falls are at their photogenic best from this aspect, as the water tumbles into a lovely bush fringed pool. Picnic tables make it a popular picnic spot.

Whangarei Falls

Quayside Town Basin

Centrally located in the heart of the city, a popular haven for international yachts, with an award wining waterfront development housing the world renowned Claphams Clock Museum, art galleries, craft shops, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants.  

Quayside Town Basin

Mount Parihaka

Whangarei’s highest lookout point (241 metres) with spectacular views of the city, harbour and environs. Once the site of New Zealand’s largest Pa (Maori fortification), interpretation on one of the trails shows how the site may once have looked. Now a memorial to the World Wars stands on the summit with a red light on top which glows at night.  

A H Reed Kauri Park Canopy Walkway

This bush is a magnificent remnant of the original Kauri Forests which were once extensive throughout Northland. The park features a canopy walkway giving a birds eye view of the forest, including two 500 year old Kauri trees. The walkway has been designed to provide access for wheel chairs. There are several other walkways within the park.

Northland Craft Trust (Craft Quarry)

This bush-clad quarry site provides a unique working environment for many artists and craftspeople. Includes studios, art gallery and shop. Also has access to the Coronation Scenic Reserve.

Quarry Gardens

This former quarry-site has been transformed into beautiful sub tropically themed gardens, and features two waterfalls which cascade about 40 meters to the lake below before winding through the gardens. “Friends of the Quarry” (members) and volunteers have contributed their time and effort into transforming these gardens a natural retreat for all to enjoy. Tracks made throughout the gardens link with trails in the Coronation Scenic Reserve.

On display at Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Heading north......

Whananaki Footbridge

Whananaki South is a low, flat sandy peninsula that juts out towards the wharf on the northern shore. It is largely a reserve, with a small pine plantation and a cluster of private homes and baches. It is linked to Whananaki North by a footbridge that spans the estuary and is credited with being the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere.

Mimiwhangata Coastal Park

The Department of Conservation administers this coastal farm park, located one hour northeast of Whangarei. The park has a varied land and seascape providing ideal habitats for many native birds and trees. Archaeological evidence shows Mimiwhangata was once inhabited by a substantial Maori community. Accommodation and camping are available by booking through Department of Conservation.

Waro Limestone Reserve

A small reserve 15 kilometers north of Whangarei, featuring interesting limestone columns dating back 40 million years. Parking, picnic tables and toilet.